U of M, MSU to expand neurology services in Lansing

LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) — A joint operating agreement between the University of Michigan and Michigan State University will see the expansion of neurosurgery and neurological care in the Lansing area. This agreement, the Neuro Care Network, was approved by both universities Thursday.

Officials say this agreement will expand the availability of specialty services in the area, such as spinal care and stroke care.

“MSU Health Care and UM Health-Sparrow will be partnering to provide outstanding new services, thus expanding access for our Mid-Michigan patients to advanced specialty care without needing to leave the region,” said Dr. Aditya S. Pandey, chair of the U-M Health Department of Neurosurgery.

As a part of this agreement, three University of Michigan Health neurosurgeons will bolster the staff of U-M Health-Sparrow full-time this summer, joining a team of neurosurgeons and neurologists working at U-M Health Sparrow in Lansing and MSU Health Care in East Lansing.

“This collaboration will provide access to a more comprehensive and coordinated experience for patients in Michigan who require specialized care for any neurologic condition,” said Margaret Dimond, President of the U-M Health Regional Network. “It’s a unique and progressive partnership that will set an example for multi-university collaboration on key diagnostic and treatment breakthroughs.”

Michigan’s supply of neurology specialists will fulfill only 88% of demand by 2031, well below national projections, according to the National Center for Health Workforce Analysis. Officials hope that this agreement will allow them to recruit more neurology specialists to mid-Michigan.

“As our population ages and the rates of neurological diseases such as Parkinson’s, stroke, and dementia increase, the demand for neurology specialists will continue to outpace the supply,” said John Goudreau, DO, neurologist and interim chair of the MSU Department of Neurology and Ophthalmology. “Working collaboratively strengthens our position to recruit top neurological talent and care for our patients.”

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WLNS 6 News.